Created under the administration of John F. Kennedy in 1961, the Peace Corps has attracted thousands of college students, young professionals and others to provide service in needy countries throughout the world. The idea behind the Peace Corps is that by providing basic services to those in need, we can create a peaceful world environment – one without the unrest and hostility that breeds famine and war.

While a worthy cause, not everyone can take time off from school or work to spend months or years overseas helping promote a stable, global environment. Fortunately, cultivating peace doesn’t mean you have to take a leave of absence or travel to distant lands. Peace starts at home with individuals making small, but meaningful changes in their lives.

Racial tension and religious persecution are alive and well in America. They can be found on our college campuses, at corporate meetings and in our daily interactions with one another. These small injustices mount to create a society in which we no longer value all our members, and some are dismissed as being unneeded or unwanted.

For lasting peace in our communities, it is vital that we work together to develop schools and workforces that celebrate our diversity instead of trying to force square pegs into round holes. Peace will only come when our communities accept everyone for their individual traits. Only then will our creative spirit and productivity soar.

Although not as glamorous as jetting off on an adventure with the Peace Corps, creating peace at home is just as important. If you are not sure about how to take the first step, there are a number of speakers and programs available that can help promote peace. Designed for college students and corporate executives, these seminars can give you the tools you need to make the small changes necessary to impact our world in a big way.

Zohra Sarwari is one of the nation’s foremost Muslim women speakers. She has been featured at numerous seminars and conferences. Her talks combine humor with the real-world perspective of a Muslim living in America’s Midwest. A published author, Ms. Sarwari has written extensively on the subjects of tolerance, diversity and the truth behind the Islamic religion. To learn more about Ms. Sarwari and how she can help your organization effectively create a peaceful and productive environment, visit www.muslimwomanspeaker.com